How Imbalanced Elements Can Cause Tinnitus

Introduction

Wondering How Imbalanced Elements Can Cause Tinnitus? It's bad enough we sometimes want peace and quiet at certain times of the day to just rest our overworked brains, but can you imagine having a never ending ringing in your ears that just won't go away?

Enter tinnitus. Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds in the ears when there is no external noise present. It can be temporary or chronic and may affect one or both ears. It's incredibly annoying at first but can eventually lead to mental health issues due to the on going noise, which can over stimulate the nervous system and potential bridge out to other neurological problems.

Types of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is generally categorized into two main types: subjective tinnitus and objective tinnitus. The key difference between them is whether the sound is heard only by the person experiencing it or if it can also be detected by a doctor during an examination.

1. Subjective Tinnitus (Most Common Type)

Definition: The ringing, buzzing, or other sounds are heard only by the affected person. No one else, including doctors using medical instruments, can hear it.

Cause: Often linked to hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, ear infections, or neurological conditions. It can also be associated with stress, anxiety, or changes in brain activity related to hearing.

Characteristics:

• Can be constant or intermittent
• May occur in one or both ears
• Often worsens in quiet environments (e.g., at night)
• Can vary in pitch and intensity (ringing, hissing, whooshing, clicking, etc.)

2. Objective Tinnitus (Rare Type)

Definition: A real sound that can sometimes be heard by a doctor during an exam, usually with a stethoscope.

Cause: Often linked to blood vessel disorders (pulsatile tinnitus), muscle contractions, or bone conditions in the ear (like otosclerosis).

Characteristics:

• The sound is often rhythmic or pulsating, in sync with the heartbeat (pulsatile tinnitus)
• Can sometimes be treated by addressing the underlying vascular issue
• More likely to be associated with physical conditions affecting ear structures or blood flow

Common Causes of Tinnitus

While the cause of tinnitus is said to be unknown or due to more physical damages of the ear/neck/head area such as the following:

The most common causes is age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), where the delicate hair cells in the inner ear deteriorate over time. Exposure to loud noise, such as concerts, machinery, or prolonged headphone use at high volumes, can also damage these hair cells and lead to tinnitus. Additionally, ear infections, blockages due to earwax buildup, or fluid accumulation can interfere with sound processing and trigger ringing or buzzing sensations. Certain medications, particularly high doses of aspirin, antibiotics, diuretics, or chemotherapy drugs, are known to be ototoxic, meaning they can harm the ear and cause tinnitus. Head or neck injuries that affect the nerves or blood flow to the ear may also contribute to tinnitus, as can temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which impact the jaw and ear structures. In some cases, circulatory issues such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (narrowing of blood vessels), or vascular malformations can lead to pulsatile tinnitus, where the sound is in sync with the heartbeat. Stress and anxiety are also known to exacerbate tinnitus by increasing sensitivity to internal sounds.

The Role of Metal Toxicity and Elemental Deficiencies in Tinnitus

However, did you know there is literature pointing to how tinnitus can be caused by metal toxicity and certain elemental deficiencies?

There is a study here that links both cadmium and manganese toxicity, as well as selenium and chromium deficiency to tinnitus. They wrote "Elevated levels of heavy metals like cadmium (Cd) and manganese (Mn) are known to lead to oxidative damage-related oto-toxicity and decreased levels of chromium (Cr) and selenium (Se) are known to lead to oto-toxicity due to reduced anti-oxidant activity." (Atila et al., 2021).

Selenium and Chromium

While selenium and chromium are essential trace minerals that play a role in various bodily functions, including antioxidant defense, immune function, and metabolism, research on their direct effects on tinnitus is limited. They may help by addressing underlying issues such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and circulation problems, which are known contributors to tinnitus.

Selenium is an important antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Since oxidative damage to the auditory system has been linked to hearing loss and tinnitus, selenium may help by reducing this stress and supporting ear health. Selenium is also crucial for thyroid function, and some studies suggest that thyroid disorders (such as hypothyroidism) can contribute to tinnitus. If tinnitus is related to a selenium deficiency or thyroid dysfunction, supplementing with selenium may be beneficial. 

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Chromium plays a role in blood sugar regulation and circulation, both of which may influence tinnitus. Poor blood flow to the inner ear can lead to hearing problems and tinnitus, so if chromium helps improve circulation, it could indirectly reduce symptoms. Additionally, chromium helps regulate insulin levels, and some research suggests a link between blood sugar imbalances (such as diabetes) and tinnitus. By stabilizing blood sugar levels, chromium might help manage tinnitus symptoms in individuals affected by metabolic disorders. 

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Manganese and Cadmium

In terms of metals, both manganese and cadmium are metals that, in excessive amounts, can be toxic to the body and negatively impact the auditory system, potentially leading to tinnitus. Their toxicity primarily affects the nervous system, blood flow, and cellular function, all of which play a role in hearing health.

Manganese is an essential trace mineral necessary for enzyme function, bone development, and antioxidant defense. However, excessive manganese exposure—often from occupational sources like welding fumes, contaminated water, or supplements—can be neurotoxic. High levels of manganese can accumulate in the brain, particularly in regions associated with motor control and auditory processing, leading to neuroinflammation and nerve dysfunction. Since tinnitus can result from damage to auditory nerve pathways, manganese toxicity may contribute to or worsen tinnitus symptoms. Additionally, manganese is linked to changes in dopamine function, and disruptions in neurotransmitter balance can affect how the brain perceives sound.

Cadmium is a highly toxic heavy metal found in cigarette smoke, industrial pollution, contaminated food, and some batteries. Chronic cadmium exposure can damage the kidneys, liver, and nervous system, but it is particularly harmful to the inner ear (cochlea). Cadmium is known to disrupt calcium homeostasis and oxidative balance, leading to cellular damage in the auditory system. Additionally, cadmium can cause vascular issues, reducing blood flow to the delicate structures of the ear. Poor circulation can impair oxygen and nutrient delivery to the auditory system, potentially leading to hearing loss and tinnitus. Studies suggest that cadmium exposure may also interfere with zinc metabolism, and since zinc plays a protective role in ear health, this imbalance may further contribute to tinnitus.

Conclusion

Tinnitus is a complex condition with various potential causes, ranging from common factors like age-related hearing loss and exposure to loud noises to less obvious factors such as metal toxicity and elemental deficiencies. Understanding the role of elements like selenium, chromium, manganese, and cadmium in tinnitus can provide new avenues for diagnosis and treatment. If you're experiencing persistent tinnitus, it may be worth investigating your mineral and metal levels through tests like HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) to identify any imbalances that could be contributing to your symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or supplementation regimen.